Lorite Pedro, Rico-Porras José M, Palomeque Teresa, Marcos-García Mª Ángeles, Cabral-de-Mello Diogo C, Mora Pablo
Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics Area, University of Jaén, Paraje Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
Unidad Asociada de I+D+i al CSIC "Interrelaciones Insecto-Patógeno-Planta y Sus Agentes de Biocontrol" (IPAB), Research Institute CIBIO (Centro Iberoamericano de la Biodiversidad), Scientific Park, University of Alicante, Ctra. San Vicente Del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
Insects. 2025 Jun 8;16(6):604. doi: 10.3390/insects16060604.
is a Palearctic hoverfly widely used as a native biocontrol agent against aphid pests in Mediterranean agroecosystems. In this study, we present a cytogenetic analysis and characterization of the mitochondrial genome of this species. Chromosomal preparations, obtained from third-instar larvae, were used for conventional staining, DAPI staining and C-banding techniques, and major ribosomal DNA (rDNA) location by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Karyotype analysis revealed a diploid number of 2n = 10, with heterochromatic blocks in the pericentromeric regions of all autosomes and rDNA clusters on both sex chromosomes. The complete mitochondrial genome (16,605 bp) was sequenced and annotated using next-generation sequencing and assembly pipelines. It contains the typical 37 mitochondrial genes and a highly A + T-rich control region with tandem repeats. Gene order and codon usage were conserved compared with other Syrphidae. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on mitochondrial protein-coding genes clarifies the species' placement within the Syrphini tribe. Our results contribute valuable genomic and cytogenetic information that supports comparative analyses and may aid in taxonomic clarification within the genus. These findings also offer key data that could guide the genetic optimization of as an efficient, environmentally safe biological control agent in sustainable agriculture.
是一种古北区食蚜蝇，在地中海农业生态系统中被广泛用作防治蚜虫害虫的本地生物防治剂。在本研究中，我们对该物种的线粒体基因组进行了细胞遗传学分析和特征描述。从三龄幼虫获得的染色体标本用于常规染色、DAPI染色和C带技术，并通过荧光原位杂交（FISH）确定主要核糖体DNA（rDNA）的位置。核型分析显示二倍体数为2n = 10，所有常染色体的着丝粒周围区域有异染色质块，两条性染色体上都有rDNA簇。使用下一代测序和组装流程对完整的线粒体基因组（16,605 bp）进行了测序和注释。它包含典型的37个线粒体基因和一个富含A + T的高度串联重复的控制区。与其他食蚜蝇科相比，基因顺序和密码子使用情况保守。基于线粒体蛋白质编码基因的系统发育重建明确了该物种在食蚜蝇族中的位置。我们的结果提供了有价值的基因组和细胞遗传学信息，支持比较分析，并可能有助于该属内的分类学澄清。这些发现还提供了关键数据，可指导将其作为可持续农业中高效、环境安全的生物防治剂进行遗传优化。
